First Contact Physiotherapist

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities underpinning the role

The following are the core responsibilities of the first contact physiotherapist. On occasion there may be a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent on factors such as workload and staffing levels:

· Manages patients presenting with a range of acute and chronic MSK conditions, providing subject matter and expert advice to patients

· Implements and evaluates individual specialised physiotherapy treatment plans for patients in accordance with evidence base and national guidelines for best practice

· Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients

· Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs)

· Contributes to service delivery

· Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice

· Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care

· Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention

· Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence

· Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management

· Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis.

· Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care.

· Works with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services

· Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information

· Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc/Grad Dip in Physiotherapy
• A minimum of five years post qualification experience
• HCPC Registration
• CPD pertaining to Primary Care, working towards the HEE FCP Roadmap and MSK management

Desirable

• MSc modules relevant to the FCP role.
• Extended Scope competencies around bloods, imaging and prescribing.

Experience

Essential

• Experience as Senior Physiotherapist working in autonomous MSK role
• Expert clinical reasoning skills
• Proven multi-disciplinary working
• Clinical experience of triage and care planning

Desirable

• Experience of working in Primary care and first contact roles
• Evidence of clinical leadership
• Evidence of research activity or skills
• Experience of computer based clinical systems, Systm1 and EMIS Web

Skills & Other Requirements

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously
• Knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of audit and research
• Good time management skills, able to prioritise and organise workload for best effect
• Ability to promote best practice regarding all musculoskeletal matters
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion at all times
• Problem solving & analytical skills
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to follow policy and procedure
• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
• Able to meet travelling requirements of the post
• Clear vision of role and commitment to working in Primary Care
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).